Beard back as Wales target grand slam

Thu, Mar 18, 2021, 9:15 PM
AAP
by AAP
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, the world Test record-holder with 156 international caps, will make his 148th Wales appearance | Getty Images
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, the world Test record-holder with 156 international caps, will make his 148th Wales appearance | Getty Images

Grand slam-chasing Wales have showed more continuity in selection by making just one change for their Six Nations match against France, bringing in lock Adam Beard for Cory Hill.

Beard started the first three matches but was rested for Wales' fourth straight win, against Italy last weekend.

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Yet opponents France have also kept faith with their team, making no changes to the side that lost narrowly to reigning champions England 23-20 last weekend.

Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, the world Test record-holder with 156 international caps, will make his 148th Wales appearance.

His Wales caps alone will equal the second-highest capped player of all time, All Blacks great Richie McCaw.

Wales are going for a second grand slam in three championships.

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"We know we need to step up from our previous performances and we want to end the tournament with a performance we know we are capable of," Wales coach Wayne Pivac said.

The French are third and can still win the tournament with a victory at an empty Stade de France, as they have a postponed game against Scotland still to play.

Coach Fabien Galthie has again picked Matthieu Jalibert at flyhalf over Romain Ntamack, which was hardly a surprise given his excellent performance at Twickenham.

Jalibert, who was named the tournament's best player in round four of games, will partner the dymanic Antoine Dupont, while Gael Fickou and Virimi Vakatawa give France power, speed and flair in midfield.

Frances Antoine Dupont will partner with Matthieu Jalibert against Wales | Getty Images
Frances Antoine Dupont will partner with Matthieu Jalibert against Wales | Getty Images

No.8 Gregory Alldritt will be tasked with disrupting Wales' rhythm and making some telling forages of his own.

He has gained nearly 200 meters so far in the tournament - more than than any other French forward - and made 34 tackles.

Romain Taofifenua keeps his place at lock, while the front row battle could be crucial in swaying the outcome.

Galthie will trust that Cyril Baille, Julien Marchand and Mohamed Haouas can stand up to Wales, having done so against England.

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